The President of the National Disability Empowerment Forum, Dr. Christopher Nwanoro, strongly advocates for the elimination of stigmatization and stereotyping against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria Forum in Abuja, he highlighted the valuable contributions that PWDs can make towards the growth and development of the country, emphasizing that they are also important members of the Nigerian society.

Dr. Nwanoro shared his personal experience of losing his sight during his third year of undergraduate studies and overcoming numerous obstacles to successfully complete his education, earning degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

He restated “It was just like a joke how I lost my sight on one fateful afternoon. I suddenly couldn’t see. I was not involved in an accident, neither was I ill. Doctors tried their best but I have remained like this.”

Nwanoro expressed that despite facing challenges, his dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities motivated him to create several non-profit organizations, such as NADEF, Lotus Initiative for the Blind, and Rivers of Hope Humanitarian Initiative.

The activist, who is an indigene of Abia State, stated , “These initiatives are testimonies of my dedication to supporting the disabled community in every possible way.

“Stigma and stereotyping of PWDs still exist and it is terrible, I wonder how we can eradicate it in Nigeria. Sometimes, people see me and want to give me money as if I am begging.

“In the offices where some of us work, people don’t see us as people who can do something. So, the stigma is so much.

“Even on the streets when we join public vehicles, people will look at you, while some, if you sit near them, they will stand up and walk out.

“Some of us, like the women, find it difficult to marry. For those of us who are men, it is not as hard as it is for women. The stigma is so much, and for your information, we have something to offer.”

Nwanoro mentioned that the NGO he established during his time in Rivers State has been granted Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

This status allows the organization to engage and take part in all UN initiatives. He noted that the success of his NGOs demonstrates that people with disabilities have potential and can make positive impacts towards the progress and advancement of the nation.

Nwanoro emphasized ,“So, through this, I have done so much for people with disabilities. We do skill acquisition programmes.

“My target is to see how I can help these people live independent lives. Having excelled in my career in life and positively impacted the lives of PWDs, I feel there is need for me to do more, and these people can equally do more,” Nwanoro mentioned.

He described how his NGO had organized multiple no-cost medical outreach events in different states, with a recent one held in Abia State under the theme ‘Preventing Preventable Blindness,’ aimed at assisting people with disabilities in leading ordinary lives.

He added, “We engaged over 10 doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and volunteers. We were able to give out about 500 eyeglasses, eye drops, and other medications for those who have different ailments.

“These are the things I have been doing to see how I can help people with disabilities live normal lives.”